above A Muslim family
outside the tomb of Kusam
ibn Abbas, a cousin of the
Prophet Muhammadtop A Muslim family
outside the tomb of Kusam
ibn Abbas, a cousin of the
Prophet MuhammadZIGOR ALDAMA is the Far East Asia correspondent for
Vocento, Spain’s largest media group. His work often
revolves around social and cultural issues.The Communist Party of China with Xi at its helm
feels stronger than ever. Those interviewed agreed that
although its fall has been predicted in the West many
times since the founding of the People’s Republic in
1949, a change of political rule is highly unlikely.
The respondents also felt that there will be a faster
shift towards capitalism and, thanks to Donald Trump’s
policies, a huge increase of Chinese influence globally.
“We must oppose protectionism and facilitate both
free trade and investment,” said Xi at this year’s World
Economic Forum. His words left many speechless.
But, it makes sense. China needs to expand.
The state is flexing its muscles, exerting its influence
in the developing world with new initiatives and
agreements – such as the BRICS (the association of
five emerging economic powers: Brazil, Russia, India,
China and South Africa) and One Belt, One Road
(a huge infrastructure programme, initiated by Xi
Jinping, linking China with Africa, Asia and Europe via
roads, railways and ports) – in which the US don’t take
part. China has also set up international institutions,
such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(AIIB) which will help fund Beijing’s international
agenda. As Xu Bin puts it: “China is just regaining the
place it deserves on the world stage.” ag2013
Xi Jinping becomes the new
president. Analysts predict
that he will rise in importance
to match Mao2010
Shanghai holds the World
Expo; China beats Germany
as the world’s top exporter2011
China becomes the world’s
second economic superpower
after overtaking Japan2001
China joins the WTO and
wins its bid to host the 2008
Olympic Games in Beijingculture